Interesting BBC article

[joe90]

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-59401199

[ProDave]

A dumb article devoid of any technical details.

 

So how does a "kite" flying under water actually generate any power?  I see no moving bits like turbines.

 

[markc]

I’m guessing the aerofoil wing provides the ‘lift’ and the forward motion turns the propellers connected to generators.

im sure fixed generators with tidal acting on blades would be less problematic and easier to maintain

[Marvin]

At least there looking at tidal power generation, the most constant and reliable "Green Energy" available. 

Every time it goes dark here my lights go out... 

[Marvin]

Well it would except for the mains

[ProDave]

Ah the "propellers" are so small and insignificant looking and on the back of the "kite" that I missed them the first time I looked, and just saw the kite with no aparent moving parts.

 

Should have gone to ...........

[epsilonGreedy]

1 hour ago, Marvin said:

At least there looking at tidal power generation, the most constant and reliable "Green Energy" available. 

 

 

Not as constant as you think. The tidal current stops four times each day at a location because there are two high tides and two low tides each day (actually each 24 hours and 40 minutes).

 

Also the UK does not have a remarkable tidal range everywhere, the Seven Estuary has a local geography that amplifies the tidal range. The central portion of the English Channel has a low tidal range.

[Marvin]

36 minutes ago, epsilonGreedy said:

 

Not as constant as you think. The tidal current stops four times each day at a location because there are two high tides and two low tides each day (actually each 24 hours and 40 minutes).

 

Also the UK does not have a remarkable tidal range everywhere, the Seven Estuary has a local geography that amplifies the tidal range. The central portion of the English Channel has a low tidal range.

Agree totally @epsilonGreedy. However as part of a group of various electric producers it should be included. Also with several tidal installations around our coast line, it would be a more balanced supply because, as I'm sure you know, the tide doesn't rise at the same time of the day all around our coast. 

[epsilonGreedy]

22 minutes ago, Marvin said:

However as part of a group of various electric producers it should be included. Also with several tidal installations around our coast line, it would be a more balanced supply

 

 

Sure if it could be made to work. I wonder how they will keep the kites weed free. Marine growth starts to attach to a surface underwater within days of immersion unless the surface is painted with a toxic layer. I suppose they could anchor the kites in deeper water where there is less sunlight.

Edited November 29, 2021 by epsilonGreedy

[SteamyTea]

I have never really seen the advantage of an overcomplicated system like this.

Tidal stream turbines are simple, and work, and they are always in the same position that you leave them.

 

There are a limited number of places this sort of technology can be installed.  You need relatively shallow water, with a greater depth and therefore volume, either side.  Then not in an area with large mammals and fish, not in a busy shipping area, though shipping tends to avoid tidal races, not is a fishing, or potting area, somewhere that is not disturbed by large waves, you don't want suspended sand or silt either.

If we are to develop tidal power, tidal lagoons are probably the best available technology at the moment.

 

People should learn lessons from Wave Hub.

[epsilonGreedy]

20 hours ago, SteamyTea said:

not in a busy shipping area, though shipping tends to avoid tidal races

 

 

Leisure craft try to avoid tidal races but not commercial shipping. Tidal races typically occur off a headland and headlands are often the turning points for the shortest A to B route. When timed right a tidal race is the maritime equivalent of a jet airliner catching the jetstream for a fast transatlantic crossing.

 

20 hours ago, SteamyTea said:

You need relatively shallow water, with a greater depth and therefore volume, either side.  Then not in an area with large mammals and fish, not in a busy shipping area, though shipping tends to avoid tidal races, not is a fishing, or potting area, somewhere that is not disturbed by large waves, you don't want suspended sand or silt either.

 

 

That rules out 99.9% of British sea area.

Edited November 30, 2021 by epsilonGreedy